You are already a Saint

How to stop Pretending and start Living in God’s Grace

- Audee Villaraza

Do you believe that you carry the image of God? When He created you, He made you in His image and likeness because He wanted you to become His representative in this world. If you think this is true, then do you agree that we poorly represent God? Instead of people experiencing His affection through us, do they feel His agression instead?

The Power of Perception

Let me share with you one of the biggest myths of all time: I am a friendly person. People find it easy to be friends with me. Do you think you’re friendly? Here’s the fact: It’s not enough that you’re friendly. People have to perceive you to be friendly. Let me explain.

Our perception of ourselves is oftentimes different when it comes to the perception of others. For example, I used to think I was Mr. Congeniality at The Feast. I would say good morning to every person I meet, so much so that I didn’t know if I was greeting an attendee or a bystander. And I would know they were a bystander because they would give me a weird, crazy look as if to say, “Who’s this guy?”

So I thought I was friendly, until one day, someone approached me and said, “Hi, Brother Audee! This is the first time I’m meeting you. OK ka naman pala eh.” Then I asked, “What do you mean?” He replied, “Nothing. Akala ko kasi dati suplado ka (I used to think you were snooty).”

It’s not enough that you think you’re friendly. People have to see you as friendly too. And it works for the other adjectives that you probably would have for yourself. It’s not enough that you think you’re the most loving, the most forgiving, the most merciful, or the nicest person in the room. Because other people may see you differently.